Thorson finished his rookie year in the Keith Kunz Motorsports USAC Midget at the 73rd annual Turkey Night Grand Prix at Perris Auto Speedway on Thanksgiving, finishing 10th and winning the 16th annual Don Basile rookie of the race. After running 34 races this year, mostly in the Midwest, he finished 11th in National USAC points and won the national midget driver of the year rookie.

The 2014 Chili Bowl Nationals has more than 280 entries, including NASCAR drivers and drivers from New Zealand and Australia as well as the U.S. Thorson will be the only racer representing Nevada and will be carrying the Nevada State flag at the opening ceremonies on. Jan. 18.